Svalbard offers something almost no other aurora destination can: during the polar night the sky is dark enough to see the northern lights not only at night, but sometimes in the middle of the day. At 78°N, Longyearbyen actually sits north of the main auroral oval, so the displays are often softer than in Tromsø or Lapland — but the setting, with snow-covered mountains under a black sky at noon, is unforgettable.
Northern lights tours from Longyearbyen
When is the aurora season in Svalbard?
| Period | Darkness | Aurora chances |
|---|---|---|
| Late September–October | Dark nights return | Good at night, fewer tourists |
| Mid-November–end of January | Polar night: dark 24 h | Aurora possible at any hour, even noon |
| February–mid-March | Twilight returns at midday | Good in the evening and at night |
| Mid-April–late August | Midnight sun | None: the sky never gets dark |
The sun sets for the last time in late October and does not rise again until mid-February; the town celebrates its return on 8 March, when sunlight reaches the old hospital steps. See our best time to visit Svalbard for the full calendar.
The best northern lights tours
Svalbard: Northern Lights Photography Tour with a Local Expert
Best for photos
- Duration: 4 h
- Price: ≈ €181
- Group: small
- Rating: 4.6/5 (36 reviews)
A local photographer takes you to dark spots outside town and helps you with camera settings. Great even if you only have a smartphone.
Northern Lights Chasing by Van
Best value
- Duration: 3 h
- Price: ≈ €163
- Pickup: included
The guide checks cloud cover and drives to where the sky is clearest. Warm vehicle between sightings — ideal in deep cold.
Northern Lights Photo Safari (max. 8 guests)
Small group
- Duration: 3 h
- Price: ≈ €150
A small group means more time with the guide and better positions for photos.
Northern Lights Snowmobile Tour
Most adventurous
- Duration: 3 h
- Price: ≈ €250 (private from ≈ €280)
- Licence: required
Drive your own snowmobile into a dark valley and wait for the aurora far from any light. Available in a max-8 group or as a private tour. More in our snowmobile guide.
Read also:Svalbard Snowmobile Tours, Ice Caves & Dog Sledding from Longyearbyen (2026–2027)
Why take a tour instead of watching from town?
You can see strong auroras from Longyearbyen itself, but street lights wash out weaker displays, and you may not walk beyond the town limits without polar bear protection. A guided tour solves both problems: an armed guide, a warm vehicle or snowmobile, and a local who knows where the clouds break.
Tips for seeing and photographing the aurora
- Watch the clouds, not only the Kp index: in Svalbard, clear skies matter more than a high Kp. Check the Norwegian weather service (yr.no) and an aurora forecast.
- Look north and south: because Longyearbyen lies north of the auroral oval, displays often appear towards the southern sky.
- Camera settings: tripod, wide-angle lens, ISO 1600–3200, aperture f/2.8 or wider, 5–15 seconds exposure, manual focus on infinity.
- Batteries: cold kills them — keep spares in an inner pocket.
- Dress for −20°C: standing still is colder than moving. Tours usually lend overalls and boots.
- ✔ Pros
- Aurora possible even at midday in the polar night
- Snowy Arctic landscapes as foreground
- Small-group tours with photo coaching
- Combine with snowmobile or dog sledding
- ✘ Cons
- Weaker displays than under the auroral oval
- Cloudy periods can last days
- Extreme cold (−15 to −30°C)
- No aurora at all from mid-April to August
Quiz: aurora in Svalbard
Tap an answer — you will see the explanation instantly.
Why can you see the aurora at midday in Svalbard?
From mid-November to late January it is dark enough around the clock.
Can you see the northern lights in Svalbard in July?
From mid-April to late August the sun never sets, so the sky is never dark enough.
What matters most for a successful aurora night in Svalbard?
Longyearbyen lies north of the auroral oval, so moderate activity can be visible — but only if clouds allow.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Svalbard?
From mid-November to the end of January, during the polar night, with good chances from late September to mid-March.
Can you see the northern lights from Longyearbyen?
Yes, strong displays are visible from town, but a tour outside the settlement gives darker skies and better chances.
How much does a northern lights tour in Longyearbyen cost?
About €135–180 for a van or photo tour, and about €250–280 by snowmobile.
Is Svalbard better than Tromsø for the northern lights?
Tromsø lies under the auroral oval and often sees stronger displays; Svalbard offers the unique daytime aurora of the polar night and a wilder setting.
Are the northern lights guaranteed?
No. The aurora and the weather are natural phenomena; good operators explain their policy if nothing appears.
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